Phoenix Metal Pappenheimer
Original: Circa 1625-40
The seventeenth century was a period of wild developmental exploration. Swordmakers of the time experimented with hilt forms that added ever more complicated methods of hand protection along with new decorative motifs and a generally more stylized and flamboyant appearance.
One hilt style that saw many changes was that of the classic swept hilt that had become so common in the century before. Of these new varieties, a unique style came into fashion that is thought to have originated in the Netherlands. This hilt type included the two or three rings found on the swept hilt and featured a pierced plate and a distinctive urn-shaped pommel.
Though not contemporary to the hilt style itself, this particular style is now known as a
Pappenheimer presumably named after a cavalry leader of the Thirty Years War named Gottfried Heinrich, Graf zu Pappenheim.
The sword featured here has two loop guards, a knuckle-bow, and flared horizontally-recurved quillons. The smaller loop guard is filled with a very ornately pierced plate comprised of a geometric pattern of two alternating punched shapes. The pommel is a faceted version of the characteristically typical urn-shape. The wire-wrapped grip is comprised of spiraled strands of twisted and straight wires and is mounted top and bottom with Turk's head knots.
The blade is a diamond cross-sectioned rapier blade made by
Angus "Gus" Trim and serves to create a stout thrusting weapon. The scabbard has a solid core and is mounted with steel fittings.
See our
hands-on review for more information on this sword.
Overall length: 46.25"
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Width of guard: 7"
Blade: 39.75" long; 1" wide tapering to .25"
Grip and pommel: 5" long
Point of Balance (PoB): 3.25" from guard
Center of Percussion (CoP): ~26" from guard
Maker: Erik Stevenson,
Phoenix Metal Creations of Colorado.
This item has been retired from the collection.
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